Master compass and inertia means



Feb. 20, 1945'. F. E. BEST 0 MASTER COMPASS AND INERTIA MEANS Filed Nov. 27, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. I.

'Feb. 20, 1945. F. 1:. BEST' Y 2,370,000

MASTER- COMPASS AND INERTIA MEAQNS Filed Nov 27, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fla. 9.

' INVENTOR- Patented Feb. 20, 1945 UNITED STATES FATE-NIT OFFICE 2,370,000 MASTER coMrAss AND INERTIA MEANS Frank Ellison Best, Indianapolis, Ind.

Application November 27, 1941, Serial No. 420,732

9 Claims.

This invention relates to master compass and inertia means and an'obiect of this invention is to provide a compass or an inertia device that has avery high degree of sensitivity and at the same time is of strong and durable construction.

Another object is to provide a master compass or inertia device in which control means is combined with'a highly sensitive relatively movable member in. such a manner as to make possible the control of heavier parts by the highly sensitive relatively movable member without interfering in any way with the sensitivity of said relatively movable member. In this connection it is to be noted that the highly sensitive member and the instrument are movable relative to each other regardless of whether the instrument moves v around the highly sensitive member or the high- Another object. is to provide an inertia controlled device in which light actuated devices are used in combination with an inertia member for controlling the operation of other mechanism without in any way affecting the operation of the inertia member.

Another object is to provide an instrument which has embodied therein a member mounted on highly sensitive bearings that are carried by a folower rotatively mounted within the instrument, which follower has driving means controlled by the member and operabl to actuate the follower in response to very slight relative rotary movement between the member and the follower whereby substantially all relative rotary movement between the member and the instrument will be carried on the folower bearing and the highly sensitive bearings will be relieved oi wean.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel and emcient repeater motor and novel and emcient light actuated control mean therefor.

Other objects will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. a 1

Fig. 1 is an axial sectional view of a magnetic compass constructed in accordance with this invention, certain electrical connections being shown diagrammatically.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on broken line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional development taken substantially on broken line 33 of Fig. 2 and showing a shutter ring for controlling light.

Fig. 4 is a somewhat diagrammatic view of a repeater motor taken on broken line 4-4 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view with parts in elevation taken substantially on broken line 55 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 61s a diagrammatic view of repeater mechanism showing parts thereof in plan.

i 7 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially on broken line 11 of Fig. 8 and with parts shown diagrammatically showing an inertia device constructed in accordance with this invention which device has automatic control means connected therewith and is adapted to be used for steering purposes or as a stabilizer to correct tilt and inclination.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken substantially on broken line '88 of Fig. '7, parts being shown in plan.

Fig. 9 is afragmentary sectional view with parts in elevation, taken substantially on broken line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

Figs. 1 to 6 show a magnetic compass comprising a housing formed of a cylindrical shell 20 connected with a top flange 2| and having a removable bottom .22. A relatively strong heavy glass cover plate 23 is provided in the top of the housing. The cover plate 23 rests-on a gasket 24 that is supported on a shoulder 25 of the housing.

A suitable gasket 26 provides a seal between the cylindrical shell 20 and the bottom member 22.

All housing parts are preferably non-magnetic and are airtight and the bottom member 22 and cover plate 23 are hermetically sealed around theedges by the gaskets 24 and 26 thus providing 'a chamber in which a vacuum may be drawn. The operating parts of the compass are mounted within this vacuum chamber.

The magnetically actuated part of the compass comprises a magnetic member 2'! disposed within an inverted cup shaped member of nonmagnetic material. Preferably the magnetic member 21 is of the usual bar or needle shape and corresponds to the magnetic needle of an ordinary compass. The non-magnetic cup shaped member is composed of a platelike end portion 23 and a cylindrical side wall portion 29. The side wall portion 25 forms a light shutter as hereinafter explained.

A tubular hub member is secured to the end portion 28 of the cup shaped member axially thereof and extends downwardly therefrom at right angles to said end portion 23. The magnetic member 21/, see Fig. 2, extends through hub member 3@.

The hub member 35 preferably has a cross sectional shape or" substantially three quarters of a circle, as shown in Fig. 2. provided on the bottom end portion of hub member 35. An internal flange [ii is preferably pro vided within screw cap 3!! to prevent collapse of the hub section Sli, when the cap is tightened thereon.

An upright bearing pin is disposed Within the hub member SGcoincident with the axis of the cup shaped member 28-29. The bearing pin is relatively long and is tapered to a point at both ends to provide two needle point bearing members 53 that engage within suitable depressions 34 and 35 in the magnetic member El and cap 30 respectively and provide needle point bearings for the magnetically actuated parts of the compass to move on. These needle point bearings are spaced a substantial distance apart and are only called on to take care of a slight amount of movement as hereinafter explained and may be metal to metal bearings. However I prefer to make them jeweled bearings to eliminate substantially all friction and reduce wear to a minimum.

The needle point bearings 33 are subject to an exceedingly small amount of wear because the bearing pin 32 is part of a follower mechanism that starts to move rotatively with the magnetic member 21 and cap 3! immediately after these parts start to move.

The bearing pin 32- is supported by an L shaped bracket 36 that extends outwardly through the open side of the tubular hub 3|] and thence downwardly and is secured to the top side of a gearwheel 31.

The gearwheel 31 has a rigid axle 38 that is journaled in a relatively strong and substantial bearing 39.

The bearing 39 is supported'in a bracket or spider 68 that is rigid with the compass housing. Preferably the peripheral portion of the spider v 68 is securely clamped between lrousing shell 20 and bottom member 22 as shown in Fig. 1.

Movement of the follower mechanism is controlled by the magnetic compass member 21 through photoelectric cells and beams of light arranged in such a manner that electric circuits are controlled by movement of said compass member 21 without any mechanical contacts being made directly, by said compass member.

The shutter ring 29, Figs. 1, 2 and 3, has a plurality of light apertures 40 provided therein. I

have shown a shutter ring 29 formed of material impervious to light and having light apertures 40 in the form of holes therein but obviously this shutter ring may be made of light conductive material painted or coated so as to leave light apertures in the form of light conductive sections instead of the holes 40.

I have shown. three annular rows of the apertures 40 and have shown said apertures 40 to be ofiset relative to each othertransve sely of the A screw cap 3|! is aeraooo shutter rings so that the apertures appear to be in slightly inclined rows transversely of the shutter ring. The relative positions of these apertures may be varied as long as an arrangement of said apertures is maintained so that light may pass through only one aperture at a time and may pass through said apertures in proper succession.

Three photo-electric cells ll, 62 and 13 are supported by the frame Zil in close proximity to the outer circumference of the shutter ring 29. One of the cells ll, 12 and 13 is positioned in alignment with each annular row of holes Gil.

A source of light is positioned within the shutter ring 29 directly opposite the photo-electric cells ll, 52 and G3.

Preferably this source of light comprises a housing ll having a plurality of lamps therein and having a narrow upright slot it positioned close to the inside of the shutter ring 223 and directly opposite the photo-electric cells 52 and The rear wall of the housing 41 3 is preferably of concave shape and the walls of said housing are mirrored so as to reflect the light forwardly and concentrate this reflected light at the location of the slot 15.

The photo-electric cells M, 52 and (l3 act as electric valves which permit a flow of electric current therethrough when a beam of light is incident thereon and shut off the flow of electric current when no light is incident thereon.

Each photo-electric cell ll, 52 and 613 is connected by a common circuit wire ill with a source of suppl of electric current, such as a battery 38. Also said photo-electric cells M, 62 and 43 are connected by circuit wires 59, and 5H with sets of coils 52, 53 and 54 of a' repeater type electric motor shown diagrammatically in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. I have shown a repeater type electric motor with six equidistantly spaced pole pieces 55 each embodying a north pole and a south pole, see Fig. 5.

The sets of coils 52, 53 and 54 each consist of four coils disposed two each on diametrically opposite pole pieces, i. e., two of the coils 54 are wound in opposite directions on one pole piece 55, as shown in Fig. 5, and the other two coils 54 are wound in opposite directions on the diametrically opposite pole piece 55, see Fig. 5. Thus each pole piece 55 is provided with a north and south pole.

The rotary portion of the motor consists of two horseshoetype preferably permanent magnets 56 and 51 rigidly secured together in back to back relation and extending in opposite directions as shown in Fig. 5. A strip of insulating material 58 is provided between the two magnets 56 and 51.

The magnets 565| are journaled in bearings 59 and have a gear pinion 60 connected therewith. Obviously the permanent magnets 56 and 51 may be electromagnets if desired.

The closing of the electric circuits through the sets of coils 52, 53 .and 54 is controlled by the respective photo-electric cells 4|, 42 and 43 and by movement of the-cylindrical light shutter 29.

As the shutter 29 moves rotatively the light will fall on the photoelectric cells successively thus successively energizing the different sets of coils 52, 53 and 54. If the shutter ring 29 moves in one direction relative to the source of light, such as clockwise as respects the showing in Fig. 2 (this being equivalent to moving the shutter 29 to the left or the'light source to the right as respects the showing in Fig. 3), then the photoelectric cells will be exposed ln'rthe order 43-42- 4| and the magnet coils will be energized in the order 54-53-82 and the device will repeat in this order as long as the shutter ring continues to move in the same direction. This will rotate the magnets 58 and 51 in a clockwise direction as respects Figs. 4 and 6.

If the shutter ring 29 moves in theopposite direction then, the order in which the circuits through the coils will be closed will be reversed and the order in which the energizing of the coils will be repeated will be 52-43-53. This will rotate the magnets 56 and 51 counterclockwise as respects the showing in Figs 4 and 6. i

The gearwheel 31 that carries the bracket 36 and bearin pin 32 is controlled by a repeater motor SI of the type shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The motor 6| is positioned within the housing 20 and the gear pinion 60 of said motor is meshed with the gearwheel 31.

The repeater BI is electrically connected with 'the photo-electric cells 4|, 42 and 43 in such a manner as to always provide rotation of the follower mechanism in the same direction and at the same angular velocity as the magnetic member 21.

In this connection it is to be remembered that rotary movement of the magnetic 'member is a movement relative to the housing 20'2l22 and that the magnetic member really tends to remain in a fixed or magnetic north position while the housing moves rotatively' relative to this mem ber. I

When relative movement in one direction between the housing and the magnetic member starts it will only have to move the shutter ring 2!! far enough to obstruct the light from one photo-electric cell and allow light to fall on the next cell to cause the follower mechanism to start to follow the movement of the magnetic member. As long as the relative movement between the housing and the magnetic member continues the follower mechanism will move with the magnetic member and the rotary movement will take place on the bearing 39 thereby relieving the more delicate bearings 33-44 of substantially all wear. When the magnetic member comes to rest relative to the housing the follower mechanism will also come to rest.

If the relative direction of movement of the magnetic member and housing is reversed the follower mechanism will follow it in the opposite direction.

Slight variations or fluctuations of the magnetic member are taken care of on the needle point or jewel bearings 3334 without starting operation of the follower mechanismr To obviate all possibility ofthe magnetic member 21 being influenced by electromagnetic lines of force emanating from the motor 6| I preferably provide a shield for this motor such as an annular soft iron housing 68 of inverted U shape in cross section. This housing 66 is coaxial relative to the magnetic member 21 so that if any magnetism emanates from the motor GI it will be uniformly distributed by the housing 66 and will not cause any deviation of the magnetic member 21.

As the lamps .and electric motor .61 will necessarily give off some heat and as a vacuum is preferably drawn within the compass housing I preferably provide cooling-means for taking care 7 of this heat. This cooling means preferably con sists of a cooling-vliquid-conduit 89 which extends through the walls of the housing member 20 and bracket 10 is 'of high thermal conductivity and is connected with both the motor 6| and the lamp housing 44 so that heat from both the motor SI and housing 44 are drawn 01f rapidly.

The .conduit members 69 are brazed or otherwise sealed where they pass through the wall of housing member 20:

Disc 28 represents a conventional compass card visible through the glass cover plate 23 to give the desired compass readings.

Permanent adjustment between the disc 28 and magnetic member 21 may be made at the time the compass is assembled to take care of any magnetic deviation which might otherwise exist. No means is shown herein for correcting for magnetic declination and allowance will haveto be made for the declination between the magnetic readings and the true readings in each location where the compass is used.

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view of repeater mechanism using the motor shown in Figs. 4 and 5 for operating a dial which may be located at a point remote from the compass shown in Fig. 1.

In said Fig. 6 the photoelectric cells 4|, 42 and 43 and circuit wires-41, 49, and 5| and coils 52, 53 and 54 and magnets 56 and 51 are all shown diagrammatically. The pinion 60 which is connected with the magnets 56 and 51 meshes with a gearwheel 62;

The gearwheel .62 has a dial 63 secured thereto. The dial 63 has suitable graduations thereon and these graduations may be read with respect to any suitable fixed mark on the frame that surrounds the dial.

The ratio of the gear s fill and BI is preferably such as to provide movement of the repeater dial 63 in exact synchronism with the movement of the disc or dial member 28.

' Obviouslyas many repeaters of the type shown in Fig. 6, may be provided as are desired.

Operation The operation of the several parts of the device shown inFigs. 1 to 6 have been explained in the foregoing description and the joint oper-' ation of these parts may be summarized as folhicle in the usual manner and lows:

The device is placed on any air, or water veusually in the upright position shown in Fig. l. The magnetic member 21will seek a position in which it will point to the magnetic North. This magnetic member will always be free to move on the needle point or jeweled bearings which offer the least possible amount of frictional resistance. Immediately after the magnetic member 21 starts to move relative to the housing, the circuits to the magnet coils of the repeater motor 6! are successively closed and the follower mechanism starts to follow the magnetic member so that there is no further movement on the eled bearings at all.

If the magnetic member slows down or stops needle point or jewor reverses its direction of movement the follower mechanism does the same thing, as it is controlled by the passage of light-{through the openings 40 in the shutter 29 and the shutter 29 is controlled by the magnetic member 21.

.. The compas is thus very accurate and very reliable and very durable. The bearing 39 that carries the follower mechanism is strong and substantial and will last indefinitely. The bearis coiled about a metal bracket 10. The metal is ings on which the magnetic member depends for its sensitivity are substantially frictionless and are only subjected to a .very slight amount of wear.

The repeater mechanism is controlled by the magnetic member-without any actual contact of moving parts and for this reason does not detract from the sensitivity of the magnetic member. The repeater motors that are controlled by the photo-electric cells derive their current from an external source and are reliable and efficient. As many of these repeater motors as may be desired can be operated from a single set of photo-electric cells.

The mechanism is vacuum thereby safeguarding this mechanism against dirt in all forms, moisture and corrosion. Also sealing this mechanism in a vacuum safeguards it against the action of air currents.

In Figs. 1 and 2 I have shown a light housing that does not have any lenses therein. It will be understood that all lenses may be omitted from a light housing of this nature or that one or more lenses may be used therein to focus the light on 1 the photo-electric cells. Lenses, when used, concentrate the light and render the device more efficient.

Figs. '7, 8 and 9 show an inertia'device that operates in a manner similar to the master compass shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 9 except that it is controlled by inertia instead of by the earth's magnetism.

The inertia device shown in Figs. '7, 8 and 9 comprises a cup shaped'housing I2 having an axial stem I3 extending from one end portion thereof and supported in bracket means ll by which it is .frictionall'y held in such a manner that it may be rotatively moved in the bracket means but will move rotatively with the bracket means unless it is restrained. i

all sealed in a substantial slots 90 in disc member 18 and are secured to the gearwheel 86, as by passing themthrough holes in the gearwheel and riveting or upsetting The housing 12 has a cover plate I5, preferably I of metal, threaded onto one end portion thereof and sealed by a gasket 11 to providea receptacle that is air and moisture tight.

The interior of the housing is preferably evacuated of air to obviate air resistance, corrosion and moisture. However this housing may be filled with an inert gas if desired.

The mechanism in the housing I5 comprises an inverted cup shaped inertia member composed of a disc shaped upper end portion 18 and a cylindrical light control portion I9 having light apertures 80 therein.

The parts I8, I9 and 00 are similar to the corresponding parts 28, 29 and of the inverted cup shaped member shown in Figs. 1 to 3 and operate.

in a similar manner except that they are governed by inertia instead of being governed by the earths magnetism. 7/ I The inverted cup shaped member 'I8I9 is provided with an axially positioned integral stem portion 9| having two tapered end portions 82 forming needle bearings. are seated in properly formed recesses 03 and 84 respectively in the tubular hub portion 85 of a gearwheel 86 and in a cap member 81.

The hub portion 05 of gearwheel 86 is journaled in a bearing boss 08 that is rigid with the housing T2.

The cap member 01 does not touch the inverted cup shaped member 10-19 except at the location of the needle bearing 04. The portion of said cap member 81 above the disc like end portion I8 of the cup shaped member is preferably cylindrical. The lower end of said cap member, see Fig. 9, is provided at two or more locations with shouldered leg members 89 that extend through them, see Fig. 9.

The cap 81 thus becomes a fixed part of the gearwheel 86 and cooperates in providing an emcient'support for the needle bearings of the stem 8|.

A bearing element 9| on the outer end portion of the cap 81 abuts lightly against the cover plate 15 so as to prevent endwise displacement of the gearwheel 86 and cap 81, and at the same time leave the gearwheel 86 and cap 81 free to be turned as hereinafter explained.

The'lannular rows of light apertures 80 in the cylindrical member. I9 are positioned in alignment with three photo-electric cells 92, 93 and 94 that are similar to, and function in the same manner as the previously described cells 42, 43

and 44.

housing 96. The slot 91 is positioned crosswise of the slotted cylindrical member I9.

The housing 96 and lamp 95 are rigid with the main housing I2 and the cells 92, 93 and 94 are carried by this main housing.

The apertures or light conductive portions 80 of the cylinder 19 are arranged in inclined rows transversely of said cylinder 19 and operate in the same manner as the hereinbefore described slots 40 of cylindrical member 29 to control'the light which falls on cells 92, 93 and 94. Thus relative angular motion in one direction between light control cylinder I9 and housing I2 will repeatedly actuate the cells in the sequence 92, 93. 94, while relative angular movement in the opposite direction between these two parts will repeatedly actuate these cells in the sequence 94, 93, 92.

The stem I3 of housing I2 is rotatably supported in the bracket It but is frictionally bound therein to such an extent that the bracket I4 and housing 12 will ordinarily move angularly or rotatively together.

One means for insuring two parts is to provide in the stem I3 a transversebore 98' having therein two friction blocks 99 urged outwardly against the wall of the bracket I4 by a compression spring I00.

Preferably the housing 12 can be readily turnedmanually relative to the bracket I4.

Preferably the stem I3 and the receptacle electrical connections.

These needle bearings A pin I02 operating in an annular groove I03 in the stem I3 holds stem I3 and bracket 14 inassembled relation.

Preferably four conductor rings I04 are provided on the stem I3 within the chamber IOI.

An equal number of brushes I05 extend through the wall of bracket 14 and engage with the conductor rings I04.

A repeater motor I06 of the type disclosed in Figs. 4 and 5 is provided within a motor housin I" in the main housing 12. As both the structure and the operation of this repeater motor have been fully described in connection with Figs. 1 to 6 it will be understood that said previous description applies equally well to Figs.

'I and 8 and it will not be necessary to repeat the same.

A pinion I01 on the repeater motor in housing friction between these erably connected in series with two other similar repeater motors I08 and I09, which are diagrammatically shown inFig. 7. The repeater motors I08 and I09 may be positioned at any suitable locations and are connected with any suitable controlling means.

A source of power as represented by a battery I I is provided.

One side of the source of power I I0 is connected by conductor means III and H2 and through one brush I05 and ring I04, and through the lamp 95 with the three photo-electric cells 92, 93

and 94.

The three cells 92, 93 and 94 are, in turn, respectively connected with corresponding pairs of coils of the repeater motor I 06 and the two repeater motors I08 and I09. This last connection may be traced from ,cells 92, 93 and 94 along conductors H3, through the three pairs of coils of the repeater motor I06, along conductors H4, through three of the rings I04 and three of the brushes I06,'along conductors H5, through the three pairs of coils of each of the repeater motors I08 and I09 and along conductors H6 to the other side or the source or-power H0.

This completes parallel circuits through the three repeater motors I06, I08 and I09 so that the rotors of said motors will always move in the same direction at the same speed and thus operate in synchronism.

The inertia device shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9 may be operated in any position, i. e., it may be positioned with its axis vertical or horizontal or at an incline.

For some uses, and particularly where this device is to be positioned with its axis in a generally horizontal direction and it is used for controlling the bank or fore and aft tilt of an aircraft, it is desirable to very, very slightly unbalance the weight of the inverted cup-shaped member 18-19 enough so that gravity will very, very gradually tend to keep this member 18-19 in one position. This may be done by providing a separable weight 16 of very small size that is adapted to be detachably securedv to 'the disc member 18 preferably near the periphery thereof. I have shown this weight attached to the disc member 18 in Fig. 7 but said'weight would preferably only be used when this device 1 employed for controlling the bank or fore and aft tilt of an aircraft.

Preferably the weight of the inverted cup member 18-19 is very accurately and evenly balanced statically when .the weight 16 is absent there from. In the absence of said weight 16 this memher will operate as a statically balanced inertia device regardless of the position of the housing 12. If this device is to be used for steering an aircraft or for stabilizing it against orientation the weight is preferably omitted and magnetic compass means such as part 21 of Figure l is preferably used. v

' If the device is to be used for steering purposes the housing 12 is preferably mounted on a substantially vertical axis. When so mounted the inverted cup shaped member, being mounted on substantially frictionless bearings, will remain rotatively immovable, due to its own inertia, but the bracket 14, which is fixed to the aircraft, and the housing 12 which is irictionally bound to the bracket 14 will move rotatively with the aircraft.

With such a set-up, if the aircraft deviates from a straight course, while in flight, the housing 12, which carries both the light source 95 and the light responsive cells 92, 93 and 94 will start to move rotatively relative to the cylindrical member 19 and this will start operation of the repeater motor I06 and simultaneously will start operation of the repeater motors I08 and I09.

When the housing 12 first begins to move rotatively, the gearwheel 86 will begin to move with it and there will be a veryslight movement in the needle bearings 82-83-84. However it only requires a very slight amount of rotary movement of the housing 12 relative to the inertia member 18-19 to start operation of the repeater motor I06. As soon as the operation of this repeater motor I06 is started the gearwheel 86 will be maintained rotatively immovable relative to the inertia member by rotary movement of the pinion I01, which is driven by repeater motor I06, and further turning movement of the housing 12 rela tive to the inertia member 18-19 will be accommodated in the strong and rugged bearing between the hub 85 and bearing boss 88. Thus the delicate needle bearings 82-83-84 are relieved of substantially all wear.

The slots in the disc member 86 allow for the very slight rotary movement in either direction of the housing 82 relative to the inertia member 18-19 that is necessary to start operation of the repeater motor I06. This very slight rotary movement is the only movement that is accommodated by the needle bearings 82-83-84 and consequently the wear on these needle bearings is very slight.

Also this very slight rotary movement needed to start operation of the repeater motor I06 is the only relative rotary movement that will occur between the inertia member 18-19 and the gearwheel 86 because otherwise the gearwheel 86 will always be actuated by the repeater motor I06 in such a manner as to keep it in synchronism stationary or both move together at the same rate of speed.

The repeater motors I08 and I09 will operate in synchronism with the repeater motor I 06 and will be connected with any suitable control means, such as means to steer or stabilize the aircratt.

If the housing 12 is manually turned rotation of the spindle 13 within the bracket 14 will occur but the inertia member 18-19 will not be moved. Also the repeater motor I06 will begin to operate the instant that rotary movement of the housing 12 commences and this operation will continue until said rotary movement of said housing ceases. Simultaneously the other repeater motors I08 and I09 will be operated and will cause operation of the aircraft controls that are connected therewith. Thus an aircraft that is equipped with this device may be steered in any desired direction by manually turning the housing 12 and after said aircraft has been headed in any direction this inertia device will automatically hold said aircraft on its course.

In a similar manner this device can-be steer a boat-through the water.

When one of these inertia devices is to be used asa stabilizer to control the longitudinal tilt or aircraftand preferably so that said axis will be 6 a,ero,ooo

substantially horizontal when the aircraft is level transversely considered.

When one of said inertia devices is to be used as a stabilizer to control the bank or transverse tilt or inclination of an aircraft the inertia member lt-lll thereof will preferably but not essentially have one of the weights l6 secured thereto and the housing 712 will be mounted with its axis longitudinally of the aircraft and preferably so that its said axis will be substantially horizontal when the aircraft is level longitudinally considered.

Thus for controlling both longitudinal tilt and transverse tilt or bank I provide, on. an aircraft, two of these inertia devices positioned with their axes at right angles to each other. This makes a total of three devices on an aircraft -for steering and completely stabilizing the same.

The stabilizing device that is used for controlling the bank or side tilt of the aircraft is positioned with its axis longitudinally of the aircraft and is preferably but not essentially provided with one of the weights l6. When one of said weights W is so used on this stabilizer it will have a steady and constant, though very light, gravitational tendency toward the earth, that will act constantly, and over all intervals of time to average out momentary sidewise displacing centrifugal impulses produced by turns that haphazardly take place first in one direction and then the other. This weight should be so light in com parison to the mass of the inertia element Q as to produce a very inferior pendulous action on turns. I'he less this pendulous action, the better, and hence the lighter this weight the better, so long as its constant gravitational pull is effective to prevent said inertia element from acquiring rotation due to the possibility of the frictional drag of the delicate pivot bearings be ing greater in one direction than in its ave ed out equalizing movement in the other. Should the tilts to the left be quicker than the tilts to the right, a gradual tendency to rotate to the right would be acquired by said inertia member, for while the movements would av rage out to be of equal angular extent and frictional resistance in both directions the time element of such t would thus give a gradual tendency of the inertia element to rotate in the direction of the slowest movement.

.Hence it is important to provide a weight an said inertia element light enough to reduce the momentary centrifugal displacement on curves, to the lowest possible point, and at the same time provide a weight heavy enough so that its con" stant response to gravity will '"event said inertia member from setting up a rotary motion due to the rotative driving force of the friction of very delicate and almost frictionless bearings due to the possible difference of time of left and right turns.

The rotation of the propeller and gyroscopic action thereof rnalres the time elements of right and left turns different and hence the slow frictional pull one'way will out motivate the inertia member against the fast frictional pull of equal intensity and distance in the other direction. In other words, there is less frictional slip in the slow movements than in the faster ones.

This weight prevents this unequal frictional motivation, of promiscuous left and right turns in maneuvering, of the inertia member from gradually setting it rotating, and keeps the inertia member in a more or less stable relation with the weight pointing roughly and varylngly to wards the earths center.

Thus, while we cannot get away entirely from the objectional centrlfugally induced pendulous action, it can be reduced, however, to a minimum by keeping the said part it down to a minimum Weight.

It is not to be expected that this device used as a fore and aft or sidewise tilt stabilizer will keep the aircraft exactly level or provide the craft with properly banked turns but its auto-- matic action will be a compromise between these conditions which, supplemented by manual readjustment from time to time, will aid the operator to keep his craft exactly level while flying straight and to provide an aid in producing properly banked turns also by compensating manual readjustments.

When the weight is not used and a slow rotary motion is induced as explained, the craft is held level or banked on turns by a more or less constant compensating manual over-control.

The stabilizer that is positioned with its axis horizontal and transverse to the aircraft and that is used to stabilize the craft against fore and aft tilts will do a much better job of automatic stabilization than the one positioned with its axis horizontal and longitudinal of the aircraft and that is used to stabilize the craft against sidewise tilts, for the centrifugal displacements due to curved flight is eliminated and the weight it points more steadily towards the center of the earth at all times requiring less manual readjustment to any slight deviation therefrom resulting from the craft hitting air pockets, etc.

The repeater motors W8 and 609 are connected with any suitable type of stabilizing devices for stabilizing and controlling the tilt and bani: of the aircraft.

The bearings that support the inertia member l8 as near frictionless as they can be made and turning movement of the housingl2 will not have any appreciable tendency to tum e inertia member but said inertia member will for the most part remain in the position in which comes to rest.

When two of these devices are used as stabilizers they may be set by manually moving the housings rotatively to provide any desired flight condition or the aircraft as respects climb or dive or glide or or level flight and said devices will automatically maintain approximately the same flight condition until they are manuall turned to correct for any errors that may have arisen clue to variations in the positions of the inertia members. If such errors do develop they will be slight and easily corrected.

It will be understood that the inertia device herein disclosed may also be used for stabilizing and guiding submarines and for guiding surface ships on the water.

Having described my invention what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is,

i. In an instrument of the class described, a light source, a plurality of photoelectric cells fixed relative to said light source and positioned to receive light therefrom, a light shutter positioned between said light source and said ing successive pole pieces connected in successive order with said photoelectric cells.

2. In an instrument of the class described, a light source adapted to deliver a blade of light, a plurality of photoelectric cells fixed relative to said light source and positioned in alignment with said blade of light, a light shutter positioned between said light source and said photoelectric cells and movable relative thereto, said light shutter having a plurality of rows of light apertures positioned with a row of light apertures in alignment with each photoelectric cell,- said light apertures and blade of light being relatively positioned so that said blade of light will pass through light apertures in successive rows and will only pass through one light aperture at a time as a result of relative movement between said light blade and said lightshutter, and a repeater motor controlled by said photoelectric cells.

3. In an instrument of that, class described, a light source adapted to deliver a blade of light, a plurality of photoelectric cells fixed relative to said light source and positioned in alignment with said blade of light, a cylindrical light shutter positioned between said light source and said photoelectric cells and movable relative thereto, said light shutter having a plurality of annular rows of lightapertures therein positioned with one annular row of light apertures in alignment with each photoelectric cell, said blade of light extending across said annular rows of light apertures and the light apertures of the different annular rows being oflset so that light from said light blade will successively pass through light apertures in successive annular rows and will only pass through one light aperture at a time as a result of relative movement between said light shutter and said light source and'cells, and a repeater motor controlled by said photoelectric cells 4. In an instrument or the class described, a

\ movable member, highly sensitive bearings supporting said movable member, follower means supporting said highly, sensitive bearings, a repeater motor operatively conected with said follower means, a plurality of photoelectric cells carried by said follower means and connected in successive order with the poles of said repeater motor, and lamp means carried by said follower means positioned to direct light toward said cells, said movable member having shutter means connected therewith and provided with apertures positioned to successively expose said cells to thereby control the operation of said repeater motor.

5. In an instrument of the class described, .a

magnetic needle, highly sensitive bearings supporting said magnetic needle, follower means supporting said bearings arranged to follow angular movement of said magnetic needle whereby friction and wear on said hlghly'sensitlve hearings will be'reduced to a minimum, a repeater motor operatively connected with said follower means. aplurality of photoelectric cells connected in successive or er with the poles of said repeater motor, lam means positioned to direct light toward said cells, and shutter means connected with said magnetic needle and having apertures positioned to successively expose said cells to light to thereby control the operation of said repeater motor. i

6. In an instrument of the class described, a light source adapted to deliver a blade of light; a plurality of hotoelectric cells fixed relative to said light source and positioned in alignment with-the blade of light, a magnetic needle, highly sensitive bearings supporting said magnetic needle, a light shutter connected to move with said magnetic needle and positioned between said light source and said photoelectric cells, said light shutter having light apertures therein positionedtoexpose said cells in successive order, follower means supporting the bearings of said magnetic needle, and a repeater motor having pole pieces connected in successive order with said photoelectric cells and controlled by said photoelectric cells connected to move said follower means when relative movement occurs be tween said light shutter and said photoelectric cells and light source.

7. In a compass, a magnetic needle, a light shutter connected with said, magnetic needle and movable therewith and having light apertures therein, a plurality of photoelectric cells positioned at one side of said light shutter, a source of light positioned at the other side of said light shutter and having a light opening directed to,- ward said photoelectric cells, .said photoelectric cells and said source oflight being fixed relative to each other and said light shutter being movable therebetween and having its light apertures positioned to expose said cells in successive order, a repeater motor having pole pieces connected in successive order with said photoelectric cells controlled by relative angular movement between said light shutter and said light source and photoelectric cells, and indicator dial means operated by said repeater motor.

8. In an instrument of the class described, a light source providing a blade of light, a plurality of photoelectriccells fixed relative to said'light source and positioned in alignment with the blade of light, an inertia member, highlyv sen-, sitive bearings supporting said inertia member, a light shutte carried by said inertia member and positions between said light source and said photoelectric cells, said light shutter having light apertures therein positioned to expose said cells to light in successive order, follower means supporting the bearings" of said inertia member, and a repeater motor having pole pieces connected in successive order with said photoelectric cells and controlled by said photoelectric cells said motor being connected to saidfollower means for moving said follower vmeans when relative movement occurs between said light shutter, and said source.

' 9. In an instrument of the class described, an

a plurality of photoelectric cells connected in successive order with successive polepieces of said repeater motor, lamp means positioned to direct light toward-said cells, and shutter means havsuccessively expose step each time an aperture exposes a cell.

mason ans-r.

photoelectric cells and light. 

